European Luxury Escorted Tours

Travcoa Luxury Tours

Regal Central Europe

16-Day Itinerary: Per person price is based upon two people sharing a room. Airfare is additional. Check for special international airfares. Business class available

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAYS 1 & 2, Saturday & Sunday

Depart for Warsaw, Poland

Leave your home city on Saturday for Warsaw. You will arrive Sunday in the early evening, and be greeted and transferred to your luxury hotel. Warsaw is one of the world’s most interesting cities – alive with history, architecture, culture and entertainment. This evening enjoy a festive welcome cocktail and dinner party to meet your traveling companions and your Travcoa Travel Director who will tell you about the wonderful adventures ahead.

Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel

DAY 3, Monday

Warsaw

This morning you’ll travel out of central Warsaw to the Royal Wilanów Palace and Park. Today a branch of the national museum, Wilanów is one of the loveliest Baroque palaces in Poland. Built at the end of the 17th-century as a summer residence for King Jan III Sobieski, it now houses a valuable collection of art works and historical relics. This afternoon's excursion takes you to Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace and favorite retreat of the Polish composer, Frederic Chopin. Here you will visit his home and attend a private piano recital of his music, which so exemplifies the Polish spirit. The charming Polish manor is surrounded by a beautiful garden and includes family portraits, Chopin's music manuscripts and a cast of his hand.

Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel

DAY 4, Tuesday

Warsaw

Stroll the streets around the Old Town Square, on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list, and explore the churches, castle and museums of fascinating Warsaw. The most striking thing about Warsaw is its regeneration following the devastation of World War II. Razed as a result of Hitler's orders in 1945, most of Warsaw was rebuilt within a dozen years. You will visit the Museum of Warsaw Uprising, a tribute to the heroic fighters of the Ghetto Uprising of 1943, one of the most important events in modern Polish history. The Old Town is centered around Castle Square, where the oldest and best-known memorial in Warsaw stands: King Sigmund Waza Column. At its back are the reconstructed houses of the 14th-century, the Market Square, St. John’s Cathedral, the Barbican and the Royal Castle. Chief among the hundreds of historical monuments in Warsaw is the Royal Castle, a pearl of Baroque architecture, which was the seat of kings from the 17th-century on. Totally destroyed during World War II, it has been restored to its former beauty and is now a museum.

Surrounding Staré Mesto (Old Town) are the fortifications and gatehouses. Drive along the Royal Road and your sightseeing continues to the embankment of the Wisla River and the Royal Łazienki Park. At Holy Cross Church, Chopin's heart is kept in a pillar. Your afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring on your own.

Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel

DAY 5, Wednesday

W arsaw & Kraków

Drive to Kraków today, which was the capital of Poland from the 11th- to the 17thcentury. You’ll stop en route at Czestochowa to visit the 14th-century monastery at Jasna Gora. Continue to Auschwitz and Birkenau to visit the somber museum on the site of the Nazi’s largest death camp. A grim reminder of Nazi terror and holocaust, "the death factory" at Auschwitz is now Museum of Martyrdom consisting of brick barracks with tons of hair, shoes, glasses and other belongings of victims. In Birkenau there are hectares of wooden barracks and gas chambers. A documental movie made shortly after liberation of the camp can be seen.

Arrive in Kraków in the afternoon and check into your luxury hotel. As the former capital and residence of the Polish kings, Kraków miraculously escaped destruction during the war and is famous for its wealth of historic remains. The Royal Castle, built on the Wawel Hill, was the coronation and burial place of kings. During the Renaissance, Kraków became the center of new ideas and culture that attracted the most outstanding humanists, writers, architects and musicians.

Radison SAS

DAY 6, Thursday

Kraków

Tour the sites of fascinating Kraków this morning. To enter Kraków Old Town you’ll crosses "Planty," a belt of greenery that replaced medieval defence walls. Some towers of the fortifications still remain. One of them is Floriańska Gate, built around 1300. Today it resembles an open-air art gallery, with numerous paintings and watercolours displayed for sale by local artists. Market Square, one of the biggest in Europe, reminds you of the power of medieval Kraków, the Polish capital at that time. The 13th-century Cloth Hall, rebuilt in Renaissance style, houses the largest collection of Polish paintings on the second floor and small shops with handicrafts on the ground floor.

Only a tower remains from the 14th-century Town Hall, which was burned in a fire. Saint Mary's Church, dating back to year 1221, contains Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The Witt Stwosz altar inside, made at the end of the 15th-century, is one of the most precious Gothic altars in Europe. The afternoon is at lesiure to explore Kraków.

Radison SAS

DAY 7, Friday

High Tatras & Stary Smokovec, Slovak Republic

This morning drive through spectacular mountain scenery to Zakopane and take a funicular ride to the top of Gubalówka Hill for a beautiful view over the Polish and Czech Tatras Mountains and visit the Tatra Museum. Afterwards, cross the Polish border at Zakopane and enter the newly independent Republic of Slovakia. The High Tatras region is perhaps Europe's most exhilarating landscape outside of the Alps. Drive through spectacular mountains to the central resort village at the base of the High Tatras _ Stary Smokovec. You’ll spend the night at a charming turn-of-the-century mountain resort. The town was originally settled around mineral springs, which you can still enjoy today. The area offers visitors a range of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, hiking and delicious cuisine.

Grand Hotel

DAY 8, Saturday

S tary Smokovec & Budapest, Hungary

Today explore the most important town of the Spis region. The main sights at Kezmarok, which dates from 1251, include burgher houses and the Gothic-Renaissance Thokdy Castle, the Church of the Holy Cross, and the handsome main square, befitting Kezmarok’s history as a leader among the Spis towns. You will cross the Slovak/Hungarian border at Sahy/Parassapuszta. Travel through heavily wooded forests and fairy-tale villages on your way to beautiful Budapest on the banks of the Danube. You’ll arrive in Budapest in the afternoon and check into your luxury hotel.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel

DAY 9, Sunday

Budapest

Hungary, which lies in central Europe, has made an impact on the continent’s history far greater than its present size and population would suggest. Hungarians, who call themselves the Magyar, speak a language and have a culture like no other. Firmly entrenched in the Soviet bloc until late in the 1980’s, Hungary is now an independent republic making its own decisions for the first time in almost half-a-century. Saunter through enchanting parks and along picturesque avenues and see the distinctive architectural styles of the city. This morning’s sightseeing introduces you to this unique, world-famous city. Your sightseeing begins at Hero’s Square. You’ll also see the Danube embankment and the interior of Parliament (if not in session).

In the afternoon you will visit Gellert Hill, Matthias Church Fisherman's Bastion and the Castle District on the west bank of the Danube. The walled Castle District contains Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and some of its best museums. The city of Budapest known, known as “Queen of the Danube,” actually consists of three cities: Óbuda, the oldest section, with Celtic and Roman ruins on the Buda side of the Danube; Buda in the gently rolling hills on the western bank, famous for its historic Castle Hill and beautiful residential area; and bustling Pest with its shopping, government and commercial districts on the flat plain of the east bank. United in 1873, Budapest is renowned as the location of one of the most beautiful World Heritage Sites.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel

DAY 10, Monday

Budapest

This morning take an enchanting cruise on the Danube for a more intimate look at how the river influences life in the city, aboard the beautiful Duna Bella. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to pursue your personal interests. In the evening enjoy festive entertainment, Hungarian delicacies and lively gypsy music.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel

DAY 11, Tuesday

B udapest, Bratislava, Slovakia & Vienna, Austria

This morning drive to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. A beautiful city situated on the banks of the Danube, its history goes back to Celtic and Roman times. Board a vintage tram to tour the charming historical heart of the city. The 17th-century Bratislava Castle, dominates the city. The castle became the residence of the Hungarian Kings, who were banished from Buda by Turkish army.

After lunch, continue on to Vienna, arriving late afternoon. Vienna boasts some of the most beautiful Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architecture in the world. The houses of Vienna’s great composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Brahms and Johann Strauss, are all carefully preserved. Discover the wide boulevards, the avenues, the fairytale palaces, the gardens and parks, the townhouses, churches, opera houses theatres and museums. You’ll hear and see beauty from every corner.

Imperial Hotel

DAY 12, Wednesday

Vienna

This morning your walking tour begins in the heart of old Vienna, the ancient tangle of streets from which Vienna grew during the Middle Ages. Among some of the magnificent sights you’ll see are the National Library and St. Stephen's Cathedral – Austria's most eminent Gothic edifice, which houses a wealth of art treasures. Continue on foot to Hofburg Palace (the Imperial Palace), which was the residence of the Habsburg Emperors until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, of which only the chapel has survived to this day, the residence of the court was expanded and made ever more lavish as the power of the Habsburgs grew. The hall in which the Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School perform is also in the Imperial Palace and you’ll see a morning training session of these famous white horses. (Please note that, the Lipizzaner training in Vienna, is not available in July & August. It will be replaced by a visit to the National Library.)

After lunch at the authentic Griechenbeisl restaurant, established in 1450, you will drive along the Ringstrasse to the outskirts of Vienna for a visit to the grandiose 17th-century Schloss Schöenbrunn, with its many historical associations. During the reign of Maria Theresa, Schöenbrunn was the summer residence of the court. Marie Antoinette, future queen of France, spent her childhood here, and the child prodigy Mozart astonished the court with his performances, beginning at the age of six.

After a visit inside the palace, you’ll return to Vienna. In the evening attend a captivating performance at Vienna’s renowned State Opera House, built in a neo-Italian Renaissance style in 1884. Known as one of Europe's most elegant opera houses, its luxurious interior showcases allegorical frescoes. (Please note that the Opera House is closed in July and August, so a concert will be offered in lieu of this visit.)

Imperial Hotel

DAY 13, Thursday

Prague & Telc, Czech Republic

In the morning, drive to Telc, an UNESCO town lies on the south-western Bohemian-Moravian border. Telc’s history goes back to early medieval time and you will explore the town’s spectacular wide triangle-shapes square, surrounded by Renaissance houses, with their typical gables, Gothic ramparts and gates. The Renaissance chateau has a richly ornate interior and the magnificent collections are testimonies of the wealth put on sumptuous display by the Bohemian nobility during that period.

After lunch in Telc, continue to Prague, one of the least "eastern" of Central European cities. Architecturally it is a revelation — few other cities in Europe can present six hundred years of architecture so completely untouched by natural disaster or war. After World War II, which it survived remarkably unscathed and industrially intact, Prague disappeared completely behind the Iron Curtain. The city re-emerged onto the world stage in November 1989, when a peaceful student demonstration triggered the Velvet Revolution and eventually toppled the government.

While in Prague, you will enjoy the luxury and services of the 5-star boutique Aria Hotel in the enchanting Mala Strana, the Little Quarter. Themed around music, the unique hotel features original artwork of an honored musical artist represented in your room, as well as a collection of his or her music.

Aria Hotel

DAY 14, Friday

Prague

Known as "Hundred-Towered Prague," this is a magic city of bridges, cathedrals, goldplated towers and domes of churches, as well as a modern European metropolis. It has been mirrored in the surfaces of the Vltava River for more than ten centuries. Prague is full of romantic isles as well as architectural treasures in the historic center. Your morning walking tour includes the Charles Bridge; the defense towers on either end of the 600-year-old bridge offer a view of the city from above and lining either side of the pedestrians-only bridge are the statues of 30 saints.

The Gothic Town Hall has an extraordinary astronomical clock in its tower, built in the early 1400’s when Prague was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in Europe. Josefov, the Old Jewish Quarter, includes the Gothic Old-New Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish temples in Europe, and houses the world's largest collection of Jewish artifacts You will be treated to lunch at the historic Manto Manor, home of the prominent Czech artist Antonin Manto-Mrnka, your memorable lunch is prepared by master cooks and served on hand-painted designer porcelain, carefully paired with wine from Czech and Moravian cellars. Afterward, visit the artist’s living gallery and admire his works in the magic of fire, creating a broad range work of arts, from cast iron to ceramics and porcelain. His art with soul is represented in galleries and private collection around the world.

Aria Hotel

DAY 15, Saturday

Prague

This morning visit Prague Castle. The largest ancient castle in the world, it sits on the highest hill in the city. The gigantic St. Vitus Cathedral, part of the castle, towers over the city and took 600 years to build. The cathedral has seen the coronation of more than 30 Bohemian monarchs, many of whom are buried here. The crown jewels of the Bohemian Kings and relics of St. Wenceslas, the 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, are on display.

Continue with visit to Strahov Monastery complex for a private music recital. It is one of the Czech capital’s major historical monuments, and was founded as early as 1140. Not all parts of the monastery are open to the public. Visitors can only peek into some of them. The Philosophical and Theological Halls of the Library will be exclusively opened for you and the curator of the Monastery will be joining you to point out the most interesting details and answer your questions.

The visitor’s book boasts signatures of Napoleon’s wife, Marie-Louise, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as that of the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. Above all, what brought the Monastery its greatest fame was the unique, extensive library, which contains about 200,000 volumes. The oldest work is the Strahov Evangeliary from 860. However, the treasures also include ancient chronicles, travel books, herbaria, anatomical dictionaries and atlases, alchemical instructions, oriental manuscripts, bibliographies and curiosities of various kinds. After the visit, you will enjoy a short private classical recital in the library halls.

This afternoon is at leisure for you to continue exploring Prague or to do some shopping. This evening you will enjoy a festive cocktail party and farewell dinner with your fellow travelers to celebrate your wonderful experiences.

Aria Hotel

DAY 16, Sunday

Depart for Home

Today you will be transferred to the airport in Prague and depart for your home city or on to your next destination.

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS:

Warsaw, Poland, Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel:

Warsaw's most exclusive hotel, built in 1899, combines 19th-century ambience and charm with 21st-century luxury and technology. Situated on King's Walk, Warsaw's most fashionable street, and overlooking the Presidential Palace, Le Royal Meridien Bristol is only a few minutes' walk from the historic Old Town, the Royal Castle and the National Theatre and Opera House. You will have an executive room at the prestigious hotel. All 205 rooms and suites are individually designed and decorated with traditional furnishings and feature individually controlled air conditioning, in-room fax, in-room safe, PC/modem connection, Internet access, cable TV, and direct dial telephones with voicemail. The marble bathrooms feature bathrobes, shower over the bath, bottled mineral water, toiletries and an anti-slip mat. The hotel has a fully equipped health club with indoor heated pool, sauna, steam bath, solarium, massage and workout room. There is a hairdresser and a gift shop. The award-winning Malinowa Restaurant is listed in the prestigious Michelin Guide, offers an extensive choice of fine French dining. The more informal Marconi Restaurant offers fresh dishes influenced by the Mediterranean coast. The Viennese-style Cafe Bristol serves light meals and delicious pastries. Column Bar is a Warsaw institution for cocktails, conversation and live music. Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel was awarded the 5-Diamond Award, placed in the Gold List of Conde Nast Traveler magazine and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. (5-star hotel)

Categories:

Classic – Superior Rooms

Select – Executive Rooms

Grand – Business Suites

Krakow, Poland, Radison SAS:

Located opposite the Philharmonic Hall, by the Planty Park, your hotel has a superb location close Wawel Castle and only 10 minutes from the largest Market Square in Europe. Your comfortable guestroom will be either themed City or Harmony and features one double or two single beds with superb views onto historical Kraków. After an exciting day, retreat to the excellently equipped fitness room or Finnish sauna, the entry is complementary. Your room will be installed with high speed internet WIFI access so you can send e-mails of your fun adventures to loved ones back home free of charge.

Categories:

Classic – Standard Rooms

Select – Business Class Rooms

Grand – Executive Suites

2006: An Escorted Journey Regal Central Europe

1.800.992.2003 Page 11 of 14 Current as of 10/14/2005

Stary Smokovec, Slovak Republic, Grand Hotel:

In the center of the High Tatras, the Grand Hotel reflects the romance of past century. The location of the hotel offers guests versatile outdoor walks and sports. There are 79 rooms with accommodations in a traditional style. Your deluxe mountain-view room is comfortably furnished with private bathrooms, color TV, mini-bar and direct dial telephone. Hotel amenities include two restaurants, a bar and a brand new wellness center with massages, Finnish sauna, steam sauna, infra-sauna, whirlpool, solarium and swimmingpool.

Categories:

Classic – Double Rooms

Select – Double Rooms

Grand – Suites

Budapest, Hungary, Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel:

This Art Nouveau landmark has been exquisitely transformed with ultra-modern comforts and combines intuitive service with panoramic vistas of the Danube and the hills of Buda. It is located on Roosevelt Square at the foot of the historic Chain Bridge and is filled with an ambience of soaring winter gardens, grand staircases, stained glass, mosaics and ironwork. The 179 guest rooms reflect the grandeur of the hotel's exalted locale and all the beauty of the Art Nouveau period. Your superior room is furnished with a sizeable work area, twoline telephones, a built-in safe and high-speed Internet access. Your marble bathroom includes a deep soaking tub, separate glass-walled shower and large vanity. Páva Restaurant excels in the sunny cuisine of the Mediterranean, with a seasonal menu that includes the most popular of Hungary’s traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Inspired by Budapest's rich spa heritage, the spa offers an extensive range of rejuvenating therapies, massages and treatments. The indoor pool is located on the top floor of the hotel, next to the spa, with an adjacent whirlpool. The health club features a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, unisex sauna and separate steam rooms for men and women.

(5-star hotel)

Categories:

Classic – Deluxe Rooms

Select – Danube Superior Rooms

Grand – Park Suites

Vienna, Austria, Imperial Hotel:

The Imperial Hotel is one of Vienna's most cherished treasures. For a century, this architectural landmark and symbol of hospitality has received the city's most  distinguished visitors. An original Wurttemberg Palace, inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the hotel's architectural detailing exemplifies Vienna's own Ringstrasse style. All rooms and suites have been carefully restored, using a combination of rich tradition and modern amenities. Your deluxe guestroom features precious antiques and uncompromising standards of craftsmanship that capture the spirit of 19th-century Vienna. Attentive to its guests' every need, the hotel offers 24-hour concierge and butler service, and a fruit basket upon arrival. The hotel has a fitness center, sauna, and hair saloon.

The outstanding Restaurant Imperial offers award-winning Austrian specialties and international cuisine, served in an ambience of understated elegance and typical Viennese charm. The Cafe Imperial is the gathering place of choice for music enthusiasts, whether it be for a light dinner, the famous Imperial Torte, or simply coffee. There is also a piano bar serving cocktails. The Imperial Hotel has earned the distinction of being named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List and being named a Condé Nast Traveler 2001 Reader's Choice award winner. It is a member of The Luxury Collection. (5-star hotel)

Categories:

Classic – Classic Rooms

Select – Deluxe Rooms

Grand – Elisabeth Suites

Prague, Czech Republic, Aria Hotel:

With its luxurious accommodations, generous service and surprising amenities, your 5- star luxury boutique hotel is unlike any other. The Aria is the first world class property in Mala Strana, Prague's stunning left-bank neighborhood of Baroque palaces, churches, and gardens nestled between the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Each guestroom features a different musical genre that is subtly represented through the individual design of each hotel floor. Your room will feature original artwork, a selection of books and an in-room flat screen computer with the biography of the honored artist represented in your room, as well as a collection of his or her music.

Categories:

Classic – Deluxe Rooms

Select – Junior Suites

Grand – Deluxe Suites

2006: An Escorted Journey Regal Central Europe

1.800.992.2003 Page 13 of 14 Current as of 10/14/2005

RENDEZVOUS POINTS:

Meeting Point Warsaw, Poland, Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel on Day 2

Departure Point Prague, Czech Republic, Aria Hotel on Day 16

AIR SCHEDULE:

Travcoa is pleased to assist you with your air reservations for this journey. Fares vary according to airline, departure city, and seat category, and are based on availability and subject to change. If you are arranging your own flights, please take careful note of the Rendezvous Points above. Please check with Travcoa for schedules and rates on our preferred carriers.

Day 1, Saturday Depart Hometown

Day 2, Sunday Arrive Warsaw, Poland

Day 16, Sunday Depart Prague, Czech Republic

Arrive Hometown

JOURNEY EXTENSIONS

If you are connecting this journey with another Travcoa journey, please note the connecting flights between journeys are NOT included. Please contact Travcoa for the recommended connecting flight schedule.

YOUR TRAVCOA JOURNEY INCLUDES:

A selection of fine rooms in some of the best available hotels

Three meals per day, including our unique Dine-Around program that lets you enjoy any restaurant you choose with à la carte dining or relax with room service when available

A professional Travel Director as your personal concierge

Local Sightseeing with professional English-speaking guides with unparalleled knowledge, including entrance fees for places visited

Active participation and up-close encounters to experience the cultures of your journey

Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions

All gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers

Group or individual airport transfers on arrival and departure

The TravcoAssist Travel Protection Plan, including Emergency Medical evacuation insurance coverage for injury or illness, and 24-hour Worldwide LiveTravel Assistance through Travel Guard Assistance

COST OF TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Air transportation; airport taxes; passport expenses

Inoculations and medications

Alcoholic beverages (except as noted in itinerary) and caviar

Expenses of guides, buses or cars for sightseeing not included in the itinerary

Laundry; expenses of a personal nature and gratuity for any personal services

Health, accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance

Excessive baggage charges imposed by airlines

Customary end-of-the-trip gratuity to the Travel Director (Depending on your satisfaction with their services, the customary amount is $12-$15 per

person, per day.)

Wishing You Extraordinary Encounters!

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